Why 41% of Americans Still Lack Enough Vitamin D—and How to Fix It
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy, supporting over 200 functions. These include maintaining strong bones, producing dopamine, and boosting the immune system. Yet despite its importance, a 2022 study found that 41% of people in the U.S. still do not get enough of it. In the 1960s and 1970s, vitamin D3 supplements were rarely used, according to Nancy Rodriguez, a nutrition professor at the University of Connecticut. Back then, people spent more time outdoors without sunscreen, which helped their bodies produce vitamin D naturally. However, sun exposure is no longer considered a safe or reliable source due to the risk of skin cancer.
Food remains one of the best ways to get vitamin D. Fatty fish, egg yolks, and beef liver contain vitamin D3, the more effective form. Fortified foods like cereals, orange juice, and milk provide both D2 and D3, though D3 is preferred for raising blood levels. The amount of vitamin D from sunlight depends on location, time of day, and skin tone. Darker skin, for example, absorbs less sunlight for vitamin D production. Without enough, people may experience fatigue, brain fog, or depression. The only sure way to check for deficiency is through a blood test. Researchers note that historical data on vitamin D levels in the U.S. since the 1960s is limited. This makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what has driven changes in deficiency rates over time.
With nearly half of Americans lacking sufficient vitamin D, experts recommend supplements and dietary sources to fill the gap. Vitamin D3 is the preferred form for improving blood levels, while sun exposure remains risky. Blood tests can confirm deficiencies, helping people take the right steps to stay healthy.
